First to combine improved attenuation and bend performance in one single-mode fiber

Corning Incorporated today announced its latest single-mode optical fiber innovation, Corning® SMF-28® Ultra fiber. This new, premium single-mode optical fiber is the first in the market to combine the benefits of industry-leading attenuation and improved macrobend performance in one fiber.

Designed for high performance across the range of long-haul, metro, access, and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network applications, this new optical fiber is fully backward compatible with the installed base of legacy single-mode optical fibers.

“SMF-28 Ultra fiber changes the game when it comes to choosing the right single-mode fiber for your network. Previously, network operators had to choose whether to improve the attenuation or macrobend performance but now they can have both,” said Barry Linchuck, division vice president and director, Worldwide Marketing, Corning Optical Fiber. “This unique combination is made possible through revolutionary process innovations developed by Corning that deliver lower attenuation and improved macrobend performance with no design trade-offs.”

The improved attenuation of SMF-28 Ultra fiber provides additional margin that can be used to extend spans, lengthen the distance between regenerators, increase the allowable number of cable-cuts, or allow for the broader use of pre-connectorized solutions.

The improved macrobend performance provides greater margins for bends that regularly occur in the field during installation and maintenance, and allows for the design and deployment of smaller and lighter cables which can improve duct utilization, enable smaller enclosures, or reduce pole/tower loading in aerial deployments. The macrobend performance is delivered with a 9.2 µm mode-field diameter, which is equivalent to the majority of standard single-mode fibers on the market today and allows for seamless integration into existing networks.

As the inventor of the first low-loss optical fiber more than 40 years ago, Corning’s demonstrated leadership in optical fiber innovation is unparalleled. As is the case with Corning’s entire family of SMF-28® fiber products, this new single-mode optical fiber is built on Corning’s solid foundation of quality and proven long-term performance.

Corning will unveil and demonstrate the performance of its new SMF-28 Ultra optical fiber March 19 - 21, at the OFC/NFOC conference in Anaheim, Calif.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary StatementsThis press release contains “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), which are based on current expectations and assumptions about Corning’s financial results and business operations, that involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include: the effect of global political, economic and business conditions; conditions in the financial and credit markets; currency fluctuations; tax rates; product demand and industry capacity; competition; reliance on a concentrated customer base; manufacturing efficiencies; cost reductions; availability of critical components and materials; new product commercialization; pricing fluctuations and changes in the mix of sales between premium and non-premium products; new plant start-up or restructuring costs; possible disruption in commercial activities due to terrorist activity, armed conflict, political or financial instability, natural disasters, adverse weather conditions, or major health concerns; adequacy of insurance; equity company activities; acquisition and divestiture activities; the level of excess or obsolete inventory; the rate of technology change; the ability to enforce patents; product and components performance issues; retention of key personnel; stock price fluctuations; and adverse litigation or regulatory developments. These and other risk factors are detailed in Corning’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the day that they are made, and Corning undertakes no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events.

About Corning IncorporatedCorning Incorporated (www.corning.com) is the world leader in specialty glass and ceramics. Drawing on more than 160 years of materials science and process engineering knowledge, Corning creates and makes keystone components that enable high-technology systems for consumer electronics, mobile emissions control, telecommunications and life sciences. Our products include glass substrates for LCD televisions, computer monitors and laptops; ceramic substrates and filters for mobile emission control systems; optical fiber, cable, hardware & equipment for telecommunications networks; optical biosensors for drug discovery; and other advanced optics and specialty glass solutions for a number of industries including semiconductor, aerospace, defense, astronomy, and metrology.